Many people need to find the strength to get sober. This guide focuses on the best ways to do that, no matter your stage. It’s a journey similar to any other one, but there is also light at the end of every tunnel. If you’ve been looking for the perfect time to get sober, consider this your first sign.
1. You Might be Working Remotely
Are you working remotely due to COVID-19? Perhaps you’ve put aside the chance of checking into rehab or getting treatment because you had to show your face in the office every day. Well, use remote working and hybrid work settings to get sober finally.
Ask about outpatient programs for your addiction and learn how their flexibility can be part of your new reality. Many treatment centers only need you to attend treatment every other day for a set amount of hours, giving you the most flexibility to start your sobriety journey.
2. There’s New Technology to Help You Find a Recovery Community
In the past, finding a recovery community was not as easy as today. There are several different ways you can find a community of people working on getting sober.
Here are some examples:
- Online communities like Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery now host online meetings via Zoom
- Online coaching like BetterHelp (paid) or SMART Recovery’s volunteer coaches (free)
- Online therapy through companies like Talkspace and BetterHelp (paid)
3. You Can Access Rehab via Telemedicine
Telemedicine delivers healthcare services through remote, real-time digital interactions between patients and providers. Patients can access services from their own homes, reducing or eliminating the need to travel to an appointment. There are many types of telemedicine, including the following:
- Live video conferencing – Providers can connect with patients via live video streams on computers or mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Remote patient monitoring – A provider closely monitors a patient’s health in their home using specialized equipment that collects vital signs data and transmits it to the provider’s office or hospital system electronically.
4. You Realized You’ve Been Drinking Too Much
Maybe you’re starting to feel some guilt and embarrassment. We’ve all been there: when we have one too many drinks and begin to talk ourselves into our problems. But now is the time to pull back and reassess your life before it’s too late.
Start taking stock of how much money you spend on drinking each month; then ask yourself what kind of life you want to be living by making those kinds of choices regularly. This is where sobriety comes in. Think about the consequences of your drinking habits and how they might have affected your life these past couple of months.
While you might not meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder, recognizing that your drinking habits aren’t healthy is the first step towards sobriety.
5. You Can Get Sober in Private
Finding a therapist specializing in addiction is an invaluable part of the process. You can call your insurance company and ask them for a list of suitable providers, or you can look for one online. While it might be tempting to go with a general therapist, you’ll get the most help from someone who understands alcohol dependence specifically.
Once you’ve found your counselor or group, set up regular sessions where you can check in about how you’re doing and what obstacles have come up since your last meeting, your treatment program will likely encourage this kind of accountability.
In addition, because most people are still working remotely, you don’t have to tell anything about your situation to anyone. Most rehab centers are now offering hybrid programs that combine telemedicine and in-person therapy or group sessions to help you recover from your addiction privately.
Now Is The Best Time to Get Sober
Your sobriety doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it exists within your mind, heart, and body. If you’re ready to stop drinking and find your journey to sobriety, this is your sign to get started. Honestly, the best time to get sober is when you realize you’re ready to get help. Reaching out for help is the bravest act you’ll make in your sobriety journey.
